Los Tres Amarradores

The song "Los Tres Amarradores" by Banda del Sol is a narrative corrido, a traditional Mexican ballad that tells a story, often about oppression, history, daily life for peasants, and other socially relevant topics. The lyrics recount events from 1959, focusing on cattle theft in a particular region. The song sets the scene by describing how livestock began to disappear, hinting at the presence of organized rustlers who used trucks for their operations.

The narrative unfolds around a ranch in Agiabampo, which serves as the hub for the rustlers, including Gaxiola and the Razcon brothers. These characters are depicted enjoying the spoils of their thefts, drinking beer and mezcal, and living lavishly at the expense of others. The song then introduces a confrontation where a character named Chico Moroyoqui is threatened to reveal who stole the cattle. Chico names Gaxiola as the culprit, implicating him in the theft and branding of the stolen calves.

As the story progresses, the law catches up with the rustlers, leading to a chaotic scene where one of them, Chicoron, flees from Julian Contreras, presumably a law enforcement figure. The song also touches on corruption, with the Razcon brothers bribing a judge to avoid punishment. The corrido ends with a farewell, having told the tale of these 'tres amarradores' (three binders or rustlers), leaving a legacy of their deeds in the form of the song. The narrative structure and cultural references within the song provide a vivid portrayal of crime and justice in rural Mexico, reflecting broader themes of corruption, lawlessness, and the social dynamics of the time.